Camp Alagar spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda. (GSD File Photo)
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By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

POLICE director for northern Mindanao Timoteo Pacleb created another special investigation task group to handle the ambush carried out in Lanao del Norte on Sunday morning.

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The mayor of Pantao Ragat in Lanao del Norte, Mohammad Lacson Lantud, the survived the but four of his companions were killed while three others were wounded.

Chief Supt. Pacleb sent the group to the crime scene and tasked it to identify the people behind the attack as soon as possible.

Camp Alagar spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda said at least 10 people sprayed Lantud’s vehicle with automatic gunfire while the victims were on the way to Sitio Piagma Lapresa in Barangay Cabasagan to supervise a water system project there.

Senior Insp. Recto Iwangan, Pantao Ragat police chief, said the mayor was driving the vehicle, a pick-up truck, at that time.

Iwangan said the mayor survived unscathed because the armed men were firing from the right side of the road while the mayor was on the left side as he was driving.

Iwangan identified the slain victims as newly elected barangay chairman Khaliq Disamburon of Barangay Lomidong, retired policeman Hasanoding Hasim,  PO1 Mahid Macalaba of the Municipal Police Station 4 and Tarapas Saro, a civilian escort.

He said those injured were newly elected barangay councilor Farmon Lantud Macalimba, PO1 Hamsa Mangone and Achmad Mangomnang.

Iwangan said it may be a case of rido (clan feud) but they have yet to validate this.

Lantud himself said he suspected it was a case of rido, and identified the group allegedly behind the attack.

Lantud said it was the third attempt on his life since 2010.

Gonda said while the SITG has started an investigation, another police group launched an operation against suspects. (with reports from mindanews)

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